I must say, I feel for the staff at the centre. They have been formally gagged over this subject. They have been told not to show any ""bias"". This is ridiculous! They have an opinion. Oh yes, they have a vested interest (to keep their jobs), as have the squash players (to keep their facility), but we are all members of the community. Also they work there on a daily basis and understand the consequences of the proposed action far better than the rest of us possibly can. Their opinions should be HIGHLIGHTED NOT GAGGED!

It seems the current headmaster at Bramhall High is not being straightforward about making a fair and unbiased decision. This was made clear in so many ways. It seems he has a need and that when he comes to a decision, it MUST be followed through. Whilst this might make for a strong leader it is going to have a terrible impact in this case, and is simply undemocratic.

Evidence of John Peckham’s Bias:

1) Offering £150 if players voted for the closure, and within 3 days of the offer being made!!!!!!

2) Denouncing the courts as having been described as dangerous. OUTRAGEOUS! If he believed this to be true he would have been NEGLIGENT not to close them immediately. I play on these courts 3 times a week. Without any reservations (and I work in safety compliance) they are completely safe. Clearly it was mentioned just to make the closure seem more reasonable.

3) Scottish figures applied to England. The GHS 1996 of England showed squash participation at twice the level presented.

4) Completely one sided information about squash popularity in England: We have around 5 players in the top 10 world rankings in both the men’s and woman’s games. A 1999 MORI poll showed, for school age children, 3% took regular squash lessons.

During the public meeting there were so many valid points made against the closure but many more were left unspoken. Currently the only way I know of contacting the Board of Governors is via Bramhall High School. I do hope that we are able communicate with them without censorship."

[Moderator] The url for this web site was made available to the Governors present at the meeting on Monday evening. Please feel free to add your comments here.